Ashraga (2014)
Duration:
23′
Instrumentation:
Accordion solo & Symphony Orchestra
Piccolo Flute; Flute 1,2; Oboe 1, 2; B Flat Clarinet 1, 2; Bassoon 1, 2; Contrabassoon
F Horn 4; B Flat Piccolo Trumpet; B Flat Trumpet 1,2; Trombone 1, 2, 3; F Tuba
Percussion (3 people) Timpani; Bass Drum; Cymbal; Tam-tam; Flexatone, Triangle; Thunder Sheet; Vibraphone
Harp
Accordion solo
Violin I; Violin II; Viola; Violoncello; Double bass
Programme Note
Ashraga is a piece where I aimed to create an experience rather than a performance, both for performers and listeners. The initial idea for this piece was developed with soloist Martynas Levickis. Both of us share an interest in folk music, ritualistic sounds, and performance that highlights the musician’s personality rather than their instrument. That’s when Martynas introduced me to the amazing Canadian Inuit throat singing, which I incorporated into the classical orchestral score of “Ashraga”. In addition, I drew on my experience in voice and throat experiments to recreate them through instrumental sounds, time phasing through repetitions, and my long-lasting interest in collective dance music.